Carton setting up machine



W 1, 1956 w. H. WILCOX 2,743,651

CARTON SETTING UP MACHINE Filed Aug. 31, 1955 8 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. WILLIAM H. W/L 00X aymm g A 7' TORNEY W L 56 w. H. WILCOX 2,743,651

CARTON SETTING UF MACHINE Filed Aug. 51, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WILLIAM H. W/LOOX A 7' TORNE Y If my 11,, E956 yLc x 2 743,,65fl

CARTON SETTING UP MACHINE Filed Aug. 51, 1.953 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 .INVEIVTOR. WM MM M M WM 60% my L W5 W. H. lLcox CARTON SETTING UP MACHINE Filed Aug. El, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 M R, 195% W. H. WILCOX CARTON SETTING UP MACHINE Filed Aug. 51, 195:5 8 Sheets-Swagt 5 2 6 5 44 32 INVENTOR. WILLIAM H. w/Lmx BY 54% m 0%,

ATTORNEY W H, 1956 W. H. WRLCOX 9 39M CARTON SETTING UP MACHINE Filed. Aug. 31, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 61 INVENTOR. WILLIAM H. WILGOX BYmmg gm ATTORNEY y 1, 1956 w. H. WILCOX 2,743,651

CARTON SETTING UP MACHINE Filed. Aug. 51, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. WILLIAM H. WILGOX Blmm gyma ATTORNEY May 1, 1956 w. H. WILCOX CARTON SETTING UP MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Aug. 51, 1953 INVENTOR. WILLIAM H. W/L 60X United States Patent CARTON SETTING UP MACHENE William H. Wilcox, Stockton, Calif., assignor to Fibreboard Products IIML, San Francisco, (Zalifu, a corporation of Delaware This invention relates to a carton setting up machine, and more particularly to a machine for setting up the tray part of a paperboard blank adapted to provide the carton.

Summarizing the invention, the machine is provided with a form, having two pairs of opposite side members adapted to cooperate with the side forming carton walls of a carton blank in which such Walls are hingedly connected to a bottom panel of the blank; the bottom panel being substantially of the same area and shape as that defined by the side members of the form. More particularly, the carton blank is preferably of paperboard and is of a well known type which may assume various forms, and in which each of one pair of opposite side Walls is provided with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a defiectable wall portion adjacent that end. The second pair of opposite side walls of the blank extends transversely with respect to the first pair of side walls. Each of such second pair of Walls has a hingedly connected end tuck iiap adjacent each end thereof; and

each end flap is provided with a locking tab adapted to l he received in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the deflectable Wall portion adjacent the cut is deflected outwardly as the carton is set up. As a result, each locking tab becomes locked in the associated lock forming opening.

The side members of the form are of such character as to effect automatic setting up of the carton walls. As these walls are being set up, means is provided in the form of a pair of fingers movably mounted over the tops of and adjacent each of a pair of opposite side members of the form to deflect outwardly the previously mentioned deflectable wall portions to provide openings into which the previously mentioned locking tabs can engage. In this connection, each of such side members of the form is provided with recessed portions to accommodate the deflectable wall portions of the carton when they are deflected outwardly. Since the fingers are adjacent to and move over the tops of the pair of form side members, an external deflecting means is provided. This makes for a simple, efficaceous, easily observable, and economical arrangement to deflect the previously mentioned carton wall portions, which are some of the objects, among others, at which this invention is directed. Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the followin detailed description of an embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an end elevational view of the machine; portions of the structure being omitted, and other portions being broken away for purposes of clarity.

2 is a vertical sectional elevation taken in a plane indicated by line 2-2 in Fig. l, with other portions of the structure omitted, and other portions broken away for purposes of clarity.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section taken in a plane indicated by line 3- 3 in Fig. 2; portions of the struc- 2,743,651 Patented May 1,. 1 9561 ture being omitted from the view to illustrate the construc- Zion more clearly.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical section taken in a plane indicated by line 44 in Fig. 2.

Figs. 5 through 11 are each fragmentary elevational views, with portions of the structure omitted for purposes of clarity, of various cam and linkage arrangments for automatically actuating various mechanisms embodied in the machine, as follows:

Fig. 5 illustrates the cam and linkage mechanism for automatically operating fingers for deflecting the aforementioned defiectable carton side Wall portions.

6 shows the suction mechanism for removing set up cartons from the carton setting up form.

Fig. 7 illustrates the means for operating a control valve for the suction mechanism of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 depicts the actuating mechanism for moving successive carton blanks into the setting up form.

Fig. 9 is a view of the suction mechanism for removing successive carton blanks from a stack thereof for feeding to the setting up form.

Fig. 10 illustrates the valve control mechanism for operating the suction mechanism of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a view of the mechanism for automatically operating a friction roll forming part of the carton blank feed mechanism.

Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a preferred type of setting up form embodied in the machine.

Fig. 13 is an oblique planar section through a side member of the setting up form, with a wall of the carton illustrated and also the deflecting fingers to illustrate the initial action of the deflecting fingers. The plane of the section is indicated by line 13-13 in Fig. 15a.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary horizontal section of the form side member of Fig. 13, illustrating the interlockable portions of the carton substantially completely interlocked. The plane of the section is indicated by line 14--14 in Pig. 18a.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section taken in a plane indicated by line ll5l5 in Fig. 12 looking at the inner face of one of the setting up form side members, with a portion of the carton shown in section, and illustrating the position of the parts when the deflecting fingers are initially actuated to deflect the deflectable carton wall portions.

Fig. is a fragmentary vertical section taken in a plane indicated by line Ida-15a in Fig. 15.

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, illustrating a portion of the carton in section at a further stage of the interlocking operation.

Fig. 16a is a fragmentary section taken in a plane indicated by line 1651-1611 in Fig. 16.

Fig. 17 is a view similar to Figs. 15 and 16 showing a still further stage of the interlocking operation.

Fig. 17a is a fragmentary vertical section taken in a plane indicated by line 17a--l7a in Fig. 17.

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Figs. 15, 16 and 17 illustrating the position of the carton when substantially completely interlocked.

Fig. 18a is a fragmentary vertical section taken in a plane indicated by line 18a18a in Fig. 18.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of a typical form of carton blank adapted for setting up in the machine.

Fig. 20 is an isometric view of the carton formed from the blank of Fig. 19; the tray part being set up by the machine of this invention, and the cover part in the position it assumes upon removal of the set up carton from the form.

Fig. 21 is an isometric view similar to Fig. 12 of a modified type of mechanism readily adaptable in the machine for elfecting insertion into and removal from the setting up form, of the carton blank and set up carton, respectively.

Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 18 illustrating the substantially completely interlocked carton in the setting up form of Fig. 21, at the position where the deflectable wall portions commence to be removed from trackways in the setting up form.

Fig. 22a is a fragmentary vertical section taken in the plane indicated by line 22 22a in Fig. 22.

The setting up machine is adapted for setting up a well known type of carton of the character previously re lated. This carton may assume various forms well known in the art; Figs. 19 and 20 depicting, for purposes of illustration, one particular type of construction embodying the features adapted for setting up in the type of l"lchine to which this invention relates. The blank of Fig. 19 is preferably of paperboard but may be of any other suitable type of material, and is suitably scored. to pro vide a bottom panel 2 for the tray part of the carton. Hingedly connected to bottom panel 2 along score lines 3 is a pair of opposite side walls 4; and another pair of opposite side walls 6 extending transversely with respect to side walls 4, is hingedly connected to bottom panel 2 along score lines '7.

Each wall. of the pair of side walls 4 is provided adjacent each end thereof with a l-shaped cut in the form of a slit 8 to provide an outwardly deilectable wall portion 9 which when deflected outwardly in a manner to be subsequently described provides a lock forming opening at such cut 8 adapted to receive in locking engagement at tuck flap 11 on the carton. Each flap 11 is formed as an end flap hingedly connected by a continuation of a score line 3, to an end of each of side walls 6; and each end of flap 11 is cut to provide a locking tab 12, which is the part that actually engages in the associated lock forming opening at a cut 8 when the tab is inserted into such opening. In this connection, it is to be understood that in effecting setting up of the tray part of the carton, each of the pair of side walls 4 is turned upwardly along a score line 3, the side walls 6 are turned upwardly along score lines 7, and the end flaps 11 are turned or bent inwardly along score lines 3 towards the outside faces of side walls 4.

When the locking is effected in the described position of the parts, the outwardly defiectabie wall portions 9 are opened to receive the locking tabs 12 in the resultant openings. When the pressure on the parts is released, the

natural resiliency of the material causes all the walls 4 and 6 to spring outwardly, resulting in the positive lock of locking tabs 12 in the openings adjacent cuts 8. This principle of locking the tray part of the carton is well known; and it is to be understood that the particular structure may vary widely, as it is only necessary to have the outwardly defiectable portions 9 which can receive the locking tabs 17. in the openings formed.

The machine of this invention is adapted only for setting up the tray part of the described type of carton; and carton blanks consisting only of tray parts may be employed. However, the carton illustrated is preferably formed with a cover part which comprises av cover panel 13 having hingedly connected side wings 14 provided with locking tongues 16; the side wings 14 being hingedly connected to panel 13 along extensions'of score lines 3. When the cover is closed, each of locking tongues 16 is sertable into a cut 17 formed in each side wall 4 betwee' the cuts 3. Also, cover panel 13 is provided with a front wing 18 hingedly connected to the cover panel along score line 19. Wing 13 is provided with a side notched locking tongue 21 adapted to interlock in cooperating slitted portion 22 in one of walls 6.

With particular reference to Figs. 12, 13 and 14 the setting up form 3t) by which the tray part ofthe carton blank can be set up when the blank is positioned in the form, is preferably made of metal but may be any other suitable material, such as wood. It comprises one pair of opposite side members in the form of walls 31, and a second pair of wall forming side members 32 extending transversely at a right angle with respect to side members 31. These side members form an opening 33 open to both the top and bottom of the form, and which is of substantially the same area and rectangular cross sectional shape as bottom panel 2 of the carton, to enable the bottom panel to be moved all the way through the form. When the bottom panel 2 is moved through the form, the walls 4 and 6 of the blank, and also the end flaps 11 become automatically set up in the following manner.

Each of side members 31 cooperates with a side wall 4 of the carton to turn up such wall, and also with a air of end flaps ll attached to each side wall 6 to turn up the flaps; and the side members 32 cooperate with side walls ti to setup these walls, and with flaps 11 to bend the flaps inwardly against the outside faces of side walls For effecting proper setting up of flaps 11, each side member 31. is provided with a central portion 34 higher than the adjacent end portions 36 and the top of each side member 32 is below the end portions 36, so that flaps ll. are first turned upwardly on walls 6. The junctions between the central portions 34 and end portions 36 are smoothly concavely rounded at 37. Also, the inner edge 38 of each side member 351 is generally convexly rounded all along substantially the entire length of such side member; and each side member 32 is convexly rounded along the entire inner edge 39 thereof.

Each of side members 31 has a pair of spaced apart accommodating or recessed portions 41 in the form of grooves extending along the rounded edge 38 and located on the raised central portion 34-; the spacing between the outer edges of recessed portions 41 being greater than the distance between the tips of the outwardly defiectablc carton wall portions 9, and each recessed portion 41 being wide enough to permit free outward deflection of a deflectable carton wall portion 9, as is indicated more clearly in Fig. 13. Thus, when such deflectable carton wall portions 9 are outwardly deflected in recesses 41, openings 42 are provided in each carton wall 4 to receive locking tabs 12.

The grooved recesses 41 are continued along the inner face of each side member 31 to form spaced grooves 43 on such inner face. A strip 44, preferably of thin metal, is fixedly secured adjacent the outer edge of each groove 41 and the communicating groove 43, and extends along the top edge of each side member 31 over the curved inner edge 38 and partially along the inner face of such side member 31. Each strip 44 is cut-away at 46 along the portion thereof overlying the top edge of the side member 31, and to a point approximately midway of the curved inner edge 38. Each strip 44 overlies a pair of communicating recessed portions 4143 to provide a space 47 between the inside face of the strip and the inner face of the recessed portions of side member 31 and thus form a trackway for the following purposes.

This trackway 47 is open at the top at the upper edge 43 of each strip 44 formed by cut-away part 46, and is also open at the bottom edge 49. As a result, when outwardly deflectable wall portions 9 are deflected in a manner to be described into recessed portions 41 of the setting up form and the carton blank is moved downwardly through the form, such deflectable wall portions 9 will enter into and ride in trackways 47 in back of strips 44 to maintain open the locking tab receiving openings 42 in carton walls 4. As a result, locking tabs 12 can automatically be received in such locking ear receiving openings 42 as they are moved between the outside faces of carton walls 4 and the outside faces of strips 44.

Means is provided to deflect automatically the outward-. 7

1y deflectable carton wall portions 9 into recessed portions 41 along the curved inner edge 38 of each side memher 31, comprising a pair of movably mounted hookshaped deflecting fingers 51 adjacent each of side members 31 mounted for pivotal movement about an axis adjacent and extending longitudinally of said side member. Adjacent one end, each pair of deflecting fingers 51 is pivotally mounted by being secured to a common rock or pivot shaft 52 journalled in bearings 53 and extending along a side member 31; such pivot shaft being actuated in a manner to be described. As the pivot shafts 52 are moved, the fingers 51 move over the top of the associated side member 31 and the ends 54 thereof opposite the ends which are movably supported, can strike in a substantially normal direction against recessed portions 41 to deflect the deflectable carton portions 9 outwardly.

With reference to Figs. 12 through 18a, the setting up operation of a carton blank is as follows. A blank is fed in fiat position over the setting up form 30 by suitable means to be described and which slides the blank over the tops of the form side members 31 and 32, with the cover panel 13 of the carton partially overhanging the form at one end (the left end with reference to Figs. 15 through 18a), and with the carton side wall 6 opposite cover panel abutting against a stop wall 56 at one end of the form. In such position, bottom panel 2 of the tray part of blank is substantially congruent with the opening in the form, walls 4 of the blank overlie side members 31 of the form, flaps 11 overlie the lower end portions 36 of side members 31, and carton walls 6 overlie side members 32 of the form. Any suitable. means, preferably in the form of a movable platen 57 having its lower end substantially the same shape as the carton bottom panel 2 is provided to move the blank into the form; the platen being cut away at 58 along its edges to provide clearance for fingers 51.

As the platen 57 is moved downwardly the carton walls t o are moved upwardly along their hinge connections. Because end portions 36 of side members 31 of the form are higher than side members 32, end flaps 11 are first moved upwardly along their hinge connections, and are then bent inwardly against the inside faces of side members 31 and over the trackway strips 44. Fingers 51 are moved in proper correlation with downward movement of platen 57 to strike the inside faces of outwardly deflectable carton wall portions 9 substantially when such deflectable portions 9 overlie the spaced recesses 41. This causes deflectable portions 9 to be accommodated in such recesses 41 and form the locking ear receiving openings 42.

Upon continued downward movement of platen 57 and while the deflecting fingers 51 still hold the deflectable carton wall portions 9 outwardly, such deflectable portions slide past the deflectingends 54 of fingers 51 so that they can enter the tops of trackways 47 at the upper edges 48 of the strips 44; the deflectable carton wall portions 9 being thus positively held open by virtue of their sliding engagement along the inside faces of strips 44. The initial action of deflecting fingers 51 to open deflectable carton Wall portions 9 is shown in Figs. 15 and 15a, while Figs. 16 and 16a illustrate how such deflectable wall portions 9 are positively engaged in back of trackway strips 44 just after they have entered trackways 47.

After carton wall portions 9 have entered trackways 47, the timing is such that fingers 51 are moved away; and on continued downward movement of the platen 57, the locking tabs 12, which slide over the outside faces of strips 44 are directed and guided into the locking tab receiving openings 42, as is illustrated in Figs. 17 and 17a; while Figs. 18 and 18a illustrate the locking tabs 12 completely in the locking tab receiving openings 42 after the carton blank is completely set up in the form.

Continued movement of the set up carton through the setting. up form results in its being removed from the open bottom of the form. Because of the natural resiliency of the material, when the set up carton is removed from the form, the carton walls 4-6 tend to spring outwardly causing positive locking of the locking tabs 12 adjacent the cuts 8. During the described movement of the carton blank in the form, cover panel 13 is automatically moved upwardly; and side wings 14 thereon are moved inwardly, so that the completely set up carton has the appearance illustrated in Fig. 20 after it leaves the form. The closure of the cover part is 21 separate operation forming no part of this invention.

As previously mentioned, any suitable actuating mechanism may be employed for effecting coordinated movement of the platen 57 and the externally positioned defleeting fingers 51. A preferred form of such mechanism is illustrated in Figs. 1 through 11 and will now be described. The machine comprises a frame formed of spaced apart side frame members 61 suitably braced, and secured together by bolts 62 and spacer sleeves 63. Mounted on the frame is a conventional stacker for holding a standard pile of carton blanks, comprising the usual spaced apart upright members 64, one of which is in the form of a bracing plate having a. lower flange 66 upon which one edge of the stack rests. At a position spaced from flange 66, the stack also rests on a. freely journalled roller 67 which permits the individual carton blanks to slide off freely when they are removed from the stack.

The carton blanks are removed from the stack one at a time by means of a spring pressed rubber suction cup 68 which is mounted for reciprocating movement and deposits the respective blanks onto a blank feeder comprising spaced trackways 69 in the form of angles, and spaced endless belts 71 adjacent the inner edges of the horizontal legs of trackways 69; the spacing between the belts and the trackways enabling the suction cup 63 to engage freely each lowermost blank of the stack.

Endless belts 71 move the respective blanks toward the carton setting up form 30; and in this connection, gaps 72 are provided in trackways 69 toallow arcuate movement of friction rollers 73 journalled on a cross shaft secured to hell crank structure 74; the bell crank structure being rocked in timed relationship with the feeding of the blanks to allow each blank to pass under friction rollers 73 when they are lifted. After being lifted, rollers 73 are moved into frictional engagement with the blank to hold it firmly on the belts; a roller 75 being journalled under the conveying reaches of belts 71 and adjacent rollers '73 to provide support' Another set of friction rollers 76 mounted on arms 77 secured to a spring loaded cross shaft pivoted in brackets 78, engages the respective blanks to maintain frictional engagement of the blanks on the feeding belts.

Endless belts 71 feed the respective: blanks against stop wall 56 adjacent setting up form 341 whereupon platen 57 and deflecting fingers 51 are actuated in the manner previously described to effect setting up of the carton blanks in the form. The carton is removed from form 30 after it is set up and moved adjacent the bottom of the form by platen 57, by means of a resiliently mounted rubber suction cup 79 mounted for reciprocatory movement between a pair of spaced endless conveyor chains 81. Cup '79 engages the underside of successive bottom panels 2, and deposits the set up cartons onto chains 81 which convey the cartons away. Suitably spaced lugs 82 are provided on conveyor chains 31 to preclude slipping of the set up carton; and spaced apart side guide bars 83 are mounted at the sides of conveyor chains till to preclude side slippage of the cartons as they are moved by conveyor chains 81.

All of the described movable mechanisms are actuated in properly timed relationship from a common drive shaft 91 driven from a suitable source of power, by means including a chain and sprocket driving connection 92 illustrated in Fig. 1. Drive shaft 91 is connected by a chain 93 to drive a countershaft 94 journalled in the frame of the machine; and such countershaft is connected to a chain 96 to drive the carton blank feed conveyor belts 71. Chains 81 which convey the set up cartons after they leave the form, are driven from shaft 91 by means including chain 96. Countershaft 94 also carries a properly shaped and positioned cam 97 (Figs. 1, 2 and 9) which effects up and down movement or reciprocation of suction cup 68.

Suction cup 68 is slidably mounted in a carrier 955 by means of a suction tube 9% and a spring 161 about tube 99 is positioned between suction cup 68 and the top of carrier 98 to provide a cushioning means when the suction cup engages the underside of the bla k; the spring being normally non-loaded. Carrier 92?; is provided with cam follower roller 192 engaging cam 97; the cam and cam follower being maintained in engagement by a spring 103 connected to a suitable fixed portion of the machine. Also, carrier 98 is formed with a slot 1% at the top to provide a guideway in which a mounted on the frame of the machine engages; the lower end of the carrier being slotted at 197 and guided by countershaft 94.

An automatically controlled conventional three-way valve 108 (Fig. is provided for controlling the vacuum on suction cup 63; one port of valve 1% being connected to the lower end of suction tube 99 by flexible line 169; and another port of the valve being connected to a source of vacuum, such as a vacuum pump, by means of line 111. The valve is automatically operated in proper timed relationship with reciprocation of suction cup 66 for engaging and releasing the respective carton blanks, by

scans of earn 112 secured to counter-shaft 94, and engaging a roller at the end of spring pressed valve stem 113.

The previously mentioned bell crank structure "I l carrying friction rollers 73, is also operated in properly timed relationship, by means (Fig. 11) of a earn 114 also carried on countershaft 94. Cam 114 engages cam follower roller 116 journalled on a spring held lever 117 pivoted at 118 at one end, and pivotally connected at its other end to a link 119 in turn pivotally connected to the bell crank structure 74; the bell crank structure being pivoted on a shaft 122.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 5, the deflecting fingers 51 are actuated in properly timed relationship by the following means. Each of pivot shafts 52 carries an arm 131. One of such arms is pivotally connected to a straight link 132 and the other of such arms 13?. is pivotally connected to another L-shaped link 1233 (Fig. 1) which is fixedly connected at 134 to the link 13?. so that both setsof deflecting fingers 51 can be simultaneously actuated upon reciprocation of link 132. of link 1332 is pivotally connected to a spring held link pivoted at 13! and carrying a cam follower roller 1.33 engaging a cam 139 on main drive shaft 91. Thus, as the drive shaft is rotated, deflecting fingers are moved over the top edges of the form side members 31 in the manner previously related to perform the outward deflection of carton defiectable portions 9.

T he suction cup 7 9 for stripping the set up carton from the form (Figs. 1, 2 and 6) is also actuated in properly timed relationship from main drive shaft 91. For this purpose, the main drive shaft carries a cam 141 engaging a cam follower roller 142 journalled on spring held lever 143 pivoted at one end at 144. At its opposite end, lever 1% is pivotally connected to a link 1455 pivoted on a sleeve 5:" in which a suction tube 146 is slidable. Tube 146 so slidably mounted in a fixed sleeve 147 on a bracket is positioned between sleeve 145', and a fixed stop 1 on tube 1 36. Thus, as lever M3 is moved up and down by means of cam M1, suction cup 7% mounted on tube 146 is also simultaneously moved; and when .it engages the bottom of a set up carton, spring 1 39 provides for yielding engagement.

As with respect to suction cup 63, suction is periodically applied to suction cup 79 at the proper time to remove The lower end successive cartons from the form and deposit them on conveyor chains 81, by means of a three-way control valve 152 (Figs. 1, 2 and 7) similar to valve 108. Valve 152. is controlled by cam 153 on shaft 91 and which engages spring pressed valve stem 154. One port of valve 152 is connected to suction tube 146 by flexible line 156; the other port of the valve being connected to a source of vacuum by means of flexible line 157.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 8, platen 57 is actuated by means of a cam 161 secured to drive shaft 91 and engaging a follower roller 162 journalled on spring held lever 163 pivoted at one end at 164. The opposite end of lever 163 is pivotally connected to a link 166 which is pivotally connected at 167 to a sleeve 168 slidably mounted on fixed rod 169. $ecured to sleeve 168 is an L-shaped bracket. 171, the vertical leg of which is attached to platen As shaft )1 is rotated, the platen will be reciprocated into and out of the form to perform the setting up operation previously described.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention described, the platen is moved into and out of the form from the top thereof; and suction cup 79 is provided for stripping the set up carton from the open bottom of the form.

Figs. 21 through 22a illustrate a modified construction which is essentially the same as the preferred modification except that a reciprocatable suction platen 181 is provided in the form, which effects insertion of the respective carton blanks into the form with consequent setting up, by engaging the underside of carton panel 2 and moving the same downwardly into the form. Suction platen 181 is first movable upwardly in the form to engage the underside of the bottom panel of the carton blank, is then movable downwardly to set up the blank in the manner previously related, and is finally movable upwardly to eject the carton blank from the top of the form; the suction being applied to the platen at proper periodic intervals.

Platen 181 is provided with a plurality of orifices 182 through which suction is applied and released, and which are connected to a suction tube 183 which is reciprocated up and down when employed. In this connection, if the suction platen is employed, it replaces suction tube 146 and the associated mechanism, and platen 57 and associated mechanism are removed. Also, the conveyor chains 81 and associated driving mechanism are removed. Tube 183 of suction platen 181 can be reciprocated in proper time by means of a suitable cam on shaft 91 similar to the arrangement disclosed in Fig. 6; and the suction control for tube 183 can be effected by substantially the same type of mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7. The feeding of the blanks and the other actuating parts of the machine are otherwise the same with one exception.

In the previously described modification, since the set up carton is removed from the bottom of the form and the trackways 47 are open on the bottom, the defiectable carton wall portions 9 can slide out from in back of strips 44- when the set up carton is removed from the bottom of the form. However, since the top openings of track ways 47 are located over the rounded inner edges 38 of side members 31, the defiectable carton wall portions 9 would be pulled apart because the distance between such locations on edges 38 is greater than the distance between carton side Walls 4 in their fully set up position. This would result in breaking of the locks when the carton is ejected from the top of the form by suction platen 181.

Hence, in the suction platen modification, switches 184 are formed in strips 44 of the trackways 47 to allow each outwardly deflectable portion 9 of the completely set up carton to move from behind a strip 44 to a position in front of the strip as the set up carton is moved upwardly by suction platen 181, as is illustrated in Figs. 22 and 22a which depict the position of defiectable carton wall portions 9 substantially as they are about to escape from in back of strips 44. Switches 184 are each provided by a cut formed in each strip 44 adjacent the inner edge of l 9 such strip, to provide a flexible curved portion 186 of the strip bent inwardly toward the associated inner face of the side member 31. The inward projection of portion 186 forms an opening 187 out of which the deflectable carton wall portion 9 passes from behind the strip to a position in front of the strip.

Instead of having the ends 54 of deflecting fingers strike recessed portions 41 formed in the rounded inner edges 38 of side members 31, which necessitates location of the upper trackway openingsat such location and results in consequent pulling apart of carton deflectable wall portions when the set up carton is removed from the top of the form, deflecting fingers 51 may be so shaped that they can strike against recessed portions on a vertical part of the inner face of each side member 31 with consequent relocation of the upper trackway openings. Such arrangement obviates the necessity of employing switches 184 with the suction platen construction of Fig. 21 because then there would be no spreading apart of the carton deflectable wall portions 9 as the set up carton is ejected from the top of the form.

I claim:

1. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the type having a bottom panel, a first pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a deflectable wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said second pair of Walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be received in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the deflectable wall portion adjacent such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate deflectable wall portions of the first pair of carton walls when said wall portions are deflected to provide the tab receiving openings in each of said first pair of carton walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transversely with respect to said first pair of opposite side members cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton walls, means for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said side members to eflect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end flaps adjacent said first pair of side members, and means comprising a pair of movable deflecting fingers adjacent, each side member of said first pair of side members with each of said fingers pivoted about an axis adjacent such side member for swinging movement in a substantially normal direction opposite and adjacent a recessed portion of such side member for deflecting said deflectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said tab receiving openings.

2. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the type having a bottom panel, a first pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a deflectable wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite Walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said second pair of walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be received in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the deflectable wall portion adjacent such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate deflectable wall portions of the first pair of carton Walls when said wall portions are deflected to provide the tab receiving openings in each of said first pair of carton walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transversely with respect to said first pair of opposite side memhers cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton Walls, means for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said side members to efiect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end flaps adjacent said first pair of side members, a pair of deflecting fingers adjacent each of said first pair of side members with each of said fingers adjacent a recessed portion of such side member, means movably supporting each of said fingers adjacent one end thereof adjacent a slide member for swinging movement in a substantially normal direction with respect to such side member and over and across the top of the side member, and means for moving said fingers to cause the opposite ends thereof to deflect said deflectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said tab receiving openings,

3. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the type having a bottom panel, a first pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end there of providing a deflectable wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said second pair of walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be received in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the deflectable wall portion adjacent such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate deflectable wall portions of the first pair of carton walls when said Wall portions are deflected to provide the tab receiving openings in each 01 said first pair of carton walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transversely with respect to said first pair of opposite side members cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton walls, means for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said side members to effect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end flaps adjacent said first pair of side members, a pair of hookshaped deflecting fingers adjacent each of said first pair of side members with each of said fingers adjacent a cessed portion of such side member, means pivotully mounting each of said fingers adjacent one end thereof for rocking movement over the top of the side member, and means for simultaneously rocking all of said fingers about their pivotal mountings to cause the opposite ends thereof to deflect said deflectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said tab receiving openings.

4. The machine of claim 3 in which a pivot shaft extending lengthwise of each of said first pair of side members is mounted for turning movement, and each of said pairs of deflecting fingers is mounted on a shaft.

5. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the'type having a bottom panel, a first pair ot' opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a deflectable wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said sec ond pair of walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be received in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the deflectable wall portion adjacent: such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate defiectable wall portions of the first pair of carton walls when said wall portions are deflected to provide the tab receiving openings in each of said first pair of carton Walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transversely with respect to said first pair of opposite side, members cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton walls, means for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said side members to effect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end flaps adjacent said first pair of side members, a pair of deflecting fingers adjacent each of said first pair of side members with each of said fingers adjacent a recessed portion of such side member, means movably supporting each of said fingers adjacent one end thereof for movement over the top of the side member, means for moving said fingers to cause the opposite ends thereof to deflect said deflectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said tab receiving openings, and means for holding said defiectable carton wall portions open to allow said tabs to enter said tab receiving openlugs.

6. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the type having a bottom panel, a first pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a deflectable wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said sec ond pair of walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be received in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the defiectable wall portion adjacent such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate defiectable wall portions of the first pair of carton walls when said Wall portions are deflected to provide the tab receiving openings in each of said first pair of carton walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transversely with respect to said first pair of opposite side members cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton walls, means for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said side members to effect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end flaps adjacent said first pair of side members, a pair of deflecting fingers adjacent each of said first pair of side members with each of said fingers adjacent a recessed portion of such side member, means movably supporting each of said fingers adjacent one end thereof for movement over the top of the side member, means for moving said fingers to cause thecpposite ends thereof to deflect said deflectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said ear receiving openings, and a pair of track- Ways on the inner face of each of said first pair of side iembers for holding said deflectable carton wall portions open to allow said tabs to enter said tab receiving openings.

7. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the type having a bottom panel, a first pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a deflectable wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said second pair of walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be re ceived in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the deflectablewall portion adjacent such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate deflectable wall portions of the first pair of carton walls when said wall portions are deflected to provide the tab receiving openings in each of said first pair of carton walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transverse-- ly with respect to said first pair of opposite side members cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton walls, means for moving said carton blank into the form from the top thereof for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said sidemembers to effect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end fiaps adjacent said first pair of side members, a pair of deflecting fingers adjacent each of said first pair of side members with each of said fingers adjacent a recessed portion of such side member, means movably supporting each of said fingers adjacent one end thereof for movement over the top of the side member, means for moving said fingers to cause the opposite ends thereof to deflect said deflectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said tab receiving openings, and a pair of strips on the inner face of each of said first pair of side members in spaced relationship with respect to such inner face, the spaced relationship of said strips forming trackways for holding said deflectable carton wall portions open as the blank is moved in the form to allow said tabs to enter said tab receiving openings.

8. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the type having a bottom panel, a first pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a deflectable wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said second pair of walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be received in an opening formed at each lock form ing cut when the deflectable wall portion adjacent such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate deflectable wall portions of the first pair of carton walls when said wall portions are deflected to provide the tab receiving openings in each of said first pair of carton walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transversely with respect to said first pair of opposite side members cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton walls, means for moving said carton blank into the form from top thereof for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said side members to effect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end flaps adjacent said first pair of side members, a pair of deflecting fingers adjacent each of said first pair of side members with each of said fingers adjacent a recessed portion of such side member, means movably supporting each of said fingers adjacent one end thereof for movement over the top of the side member, means for moving said fingers to cause the opposite ends thereof to deflect said deflectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said tab receiving openings, and a pair of strips on the inner face of each of said first pair of side members, the inner face of each of said first pair of side members having recesses in back of said strips to provide spaces between said strips and such inner faces to form trackways for holding said defiectable carton Wall portions open as the blank is moved in the form to allow said tabs to enter said tab receiving openmgs.

9. A machine for setting up a carton blank of the type having a bottom panel, a first pair of opposite walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel each of which is formed with a lock forming cut adjacent each end thereof providing a deflectabie wall portion adjacent such end, and a second pair of opposite Walls hingedly connected to said bottom panel and extending transversely with respect to said first pair of walls, each of said second pair of walls having a hingedly connected end flap adjacent each end thereof having a locking tab adapted to be received in an opening formed at each lock forming cut when the deflectable wall portion adjacent such cut is deflected outwardly; comprising a form having a first pair of opposite side members, each of said side members having recessed portions adapted to accommodate deflectable wall portions of the first pair of carton Walls when said wall portions are deflected to provide the tab 13 receiving openings in each of said first pair of carton walls, a second pair of opposite side members extending transversely with respect to said first pair of opposite side members cooperable with said second pair of opposite carton walls, means for moving said carton blank into the form from the top thereof for folding said carton walls upwardly adjacent said side members to effect setting up of all of said carton walls and bending of said end flaps adjacent said first pair of side members, a pair of deflecting fingers adjacent each of said first :ir of side members with each of said fingers ad c. cessed portion of such side member, means movably supporting each of said fingers adjacent one end thereof for movement over the top of the side member, means for moving said fingers to cause the opposite ends thereof to deflect said defiectable carton wall portions into said recessed portions to form said tab receiving openings, and a pair of strips on the inner face of each or" said first pair of side members the inner face of each of said first pair of side members having recesses in back of said strips communicating with said recessed portions, said recesses providing spaces between said strips and such inner faces to form open top trackways for holding said defiectable carton wall portions open as the blank is moved in the form to allow said tabs to enter the tab receiving openings.

10. The machine of claim 9 in which the form is open at the bottom as Well as at the top and the blank moving means forces the blank through the form, and said trackways are open at their bottoms to allow removal of said deflectable carton wall portions as the carton is forced through the form.

ll. The machine of claim 9 in which the blank moving means comprises a suction device for moving the blank downwardly into the form from the top of the form and after the carton is set up moving the carton upwardly for ejecting the carton through said top of the form, and each of said strips has a portion along an inner edge projecting inwardly toward an inner face and forming an opening in the strip, said inwardly projecting portion and opening providing a. switch to allow removal of the deflectable carton wall portion from such trackway before the carton is ejected from the form.

12. In a carton blank setting up machine of the character described, a carton setting up form comprising a side member having a recessed portion to accommodate a defiectable wall portion of a carton wall, a single deflecting finger adjacent said side member in line with said recessed portion, means supporting said finger about a pivot axis adjacent such side member for swinging movement over the top edge of the side member to project an end thereof into said recessed portion, and means for moving said finger to cause an end thereof to move into said recessed portion.

13. In a carton blank setting up machine of the character described, a carton setting up form comprising a side member having a hollow portion therein adjacent its inside face to accommodate a defiectable Wall portion of a carton wall when deflected out of the plane of said carton wail, a single deflecting finger pivotally mounted for swinging movement adjacent and across the top edge of said side member in line with said accommodating portion, and means supporting said finger for movement in a substantially normal direction adjacent and opposite said accommodating portion to project an end of said finger into said hollow portion.

14. in a carton blank setting up machine of the character described, a carton setting up form comprising a side member having a hollow portion therein adjacent its inside face to accommodate a deflectable wall portion of a carton wall when deflected out of the plane of said carton wall, a single deflecting finger adjacent said side member in line with said accommodating portion, and means supporting said finger about a pivot axis extending longitudinally of said side member for swinging movement over the top edge of said side member and in a substantially normal direction adjacent and opposite said accommodating portion to project an end of Said finger into said hollow portion.

l5. in a carton blank setting up machine of the character described, a carton setting up form comprising a side member having a hollow portion therein adjacent its inside face to accommodate a defiectable Wall portion of a carton wall when deflected out of the plane of said carton wall, a single hook-shaped deflecting finger pivotally mounted adjacent said side member in line with said accommodating portion, and means for moving said finger so that said hook portion crosses over the top edge of said side member and into a substantially normal direction adjacent and opposite said accommodating portion to project an end of said finger into said hollow portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

